What Shoes to Wear to a Semi-Formal Wedding

Wedding Guest Shoes

Going solo, as a plus one, or in the bridal party, here are a few things to consider when deciding what to wear. #1: make a statement, but don’t overshadow the bride. #2: a cute-and-comfortable shoe is a game changer. #3: save yourself the feet ache and carry a backup pair of shoes (you can thank us later).

Statement Shoes for Weddings

Navigate the difference between making a statement and making a scene by choosing the perfect own-the-room styles. Semi-formal weddings are a great place to try out the outfits you’ve been dying to wear. But, you should still be mindful not to wear anything that might draw attention from the bride and groom. Instantly elevate your look with a bold platform heel. A little height or a lot, this on-trend favorite will get you endless compliments. With a flowy dress, cute jumpsuit, or blazer jacket and chinos, this versatile show-stopper is a must. Try a strappy sandal with a little bling. Look for styles with delicate gem accents on the straps or around the toe to tastefully catch people’s eye (bonus points if it matches your pedicure). Or go with a closed-toe kitten heel with a metallic finish. Add a shimmery element to your outfit with a gold, silver, or rose gold shoes. A pop of color is also a great way to make a statement. Unlike formal and black tie ,which call for more muted or traditional hues, feel free to try a bold color. Keep the wedding’s color scheme and the season in mind. While rocking a fuschsia shoe makes sense for summer, for winter weddings considered cooler tones. Can’t forget about prints. Add some interest to your look with patterned heels or sandals. Oh, and making a statement doesn’t require a heel! Step out in a gem-accented or printed flat. 

Guys, don’t think compliments are just for the ladies! Make your outfit dynamic with a classic wingtip dress shoe. In leather or suede, with detailed perforation or minimal stiching, you’ll love this lace-up staple. For an elevated yet relaxed feel, slip on a loafer. Plus, don’t be afraid to add some color to the mix! Vibrant hues are certain to draw the right kind of attention and are perfect for the semi-formal dress code.

Comfortable Wedding Shoes

In the bridal party or as a guest, whatever your role in the wedding, you’re going to want something comfortable. After all, beauty doesn’t have to be pain. While a stiletto is iconic, for more comfort-focused styles block heel wedding shoes, lower-heeled wedding shoes, or wedges are popular choices. Block heels offer support and comfort by evenly distributing your weight throughout. Going for a lower heel height, like a kitten heel, is another way to increase the comfort of your shoes. Less height, means less pressure on your feet. The connected heel of wedges provides height and support, while making them easy to walk in. Ever hear the saying that “flats are a girls best friend?” Well, we’re saying it now! Not only does it fit the semi-formal dress code, it’s the MVP of comfort. For the perfect cute and comfortable combo, try brands like Kelly & Katie, Anne Klein, Clarks, Baretraps, and Naturalizer. 

For men’s shoes, keep the toe shape in mind when looking for comfortable dress shoes. Look for oxfords, loafers, and wingtips with a more rounded toe to avoid pinching. Looking for shoes with built-in cushioning is also a good idea. Not sure where to start? Try brands Cole Haan, Florsheim, Hush Puppies, and Clarks. 

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Make Your Wedding Shoes Comfortable

Some shoes are more beautiful than they are comfortable and that’s okay! Don’t worry, you won’t have to choose between your favorite shoes and being comfortable, we have some tips. Whatever the style, adding an insole is the easiest way to add some extra cushioning or arch support to your shoes. Also, you can never go wrong with a backup pair of shoes. If starting out in stilletos or higher heels, bring another pair of shoes with a lower heel or even flats. Guys, feel free to bring a backup pair of loafers. These easy-on slip-ons were designed with comfort in mind. So, if you find yourself on the dance floor with aching feet, switching to a comfortable loafer will have you back out there in no time.

Shoes for the Wedding Party

Calling all bridesmaids, groomsmen, parents of the happy couple, and anyone else in the wedding party, this section is for you. Make sure to pick shoes that are comfortable and fit the semi-formal dress code. Consider wearing a lower heel, block heel, or a flat. You’ll want something that provides you the right amount of support for all the walking and standing you’ll be doing. Explore different materials like satin, velvet, suede and leather. Pick colors that match the wedding color scheme, and don’t be afraid to wear shoes with a pattern. Unlike formalwear, you can have a little bit more fun with your shoe choice and a printed shoe is the perfect way to do that. You’ll want to stay away from any light colors than may look white or would be similar to the brides wedding shoes. For beach, spring, or summer weddings wearing sandals and wedges are also approved. For fall and winter weddings, a close-toe shoe is your best bet. Add a little bling in heels, sandals, and flats with gem-accents. You don’t need anything crazy to make a statement, so in this case less is more. 

For our groomsmen, look for dress shoes that complement your outfit. Because semi-formal is more relaxed, no need to wear a suit and tie (although you can if you want to). A nice button down and slacks are perfectly fine too. Add some interest to your look by trying bold colors and prints. You’ll want to pick something that will look good with what you’re wearing and doens’t clash with the wedding color scheme. Also, feel free to try out different materials and textures. Unlike a formal dress code, you’re not limited to just leather. Give suede and velvet a try. Finally, comfort is key. You’re going to be on your feet quite a bit so you’ll want something that’s going to provide all-day comfort

Wedding Shoes for the Bride

It’s almost time for the big “I Do” and you need the perfect wedding shoes. That’s where we come in. As the bride, this is your red carpet moment and all eyes will be on you. Don’t be afraid to go all out with the glitz and the glam. A little bit of bling or completely covered in rhinestones, this is your spotlight moment. Feel free to play with the color of your wedding shoes as well. Add a metallic detail with gold, silver, or rose gold wedding shoes. For your something blue, consider adding a pop of color with blue wedding shoes. You also can never go wrong with classic white, ivory, or nude wedding shoes. These timeless colors are a wedding staples for a reason. Try an elegant statin finish or a luxurious velvet shoe. Head into the reception in something slightly more comfortable or make a second grand entrance in another pair of show-stopping shoes. Consider slipping into a flat or a wedding-approved sneaker to comfortably dance the night away. 

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Wedding Sneakers for the Bride

Remember how we mentioned wedding sneakers? If heels are not your vibe, try wearing sneakers on your big day. At the ceremony, reception, or the whole time, just because it’s your wedding day doesn’t mean you have to wear a heel. Walk down the aisle in comfort and style in wedding-approved sneakers from top brands like Converse and Vans. All-white or in your fave pop of color, saying “I Do” in a pair of sneakers is a total power move. A leather adidas court sneaker is also a trendy way to add sneakers to your wedding outfit. Or add a touch of vintage flair with the retroinspired New Balance 997H. If you’re into the wedding-sneaker trend, but also a fan of bling, the Betsey Johnson Suton is the sneaker for you. Decked out in gems, this wedding sneaker is the perfect combo of head-turning appeal and comfort. Or try out the latest sneaker trends from brands like Steve Madden, PUMA, and Dolce Vita

Wedding Shoes for the Groom

Did you think we forgot about the groom? Never! This is your big day too and you’ll want to look the part. For the perfect wedding shoes, oxfords, wingtip dress shoes, and loafers are the perfect place to start. When you think dress shoe, the oxford is probably the first thing that comes to mind. Wingtips are similar is silhouette and design and can fit both the semi-formal and formal dress code. Loafers are great because they’re easy to put on and very comfortable. Unlike formal attire, the material of your shoes is really up to you. Go with timeless leather or switch it up with suede. Really get people talking by rocking a dress shoe with a pattern or a velvet finish. Shoes with detailed stiching, buckle accents, and stylish embellishments are another way to elevate your look. No need to stick to traditional formal colors. Add a pop of color to your wedding outfit, but make sure to choose hues that will match your wedding’s color scheme and will look good with your suit. 

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Wedding Sneakers for the Groom

 Yes, wedding sneakers are a thing and we’re here for it. Due to their stylish look, comfortable feel, and versatility, the wedding sneaker trend is one you won’t want to miss. Trade in your dress shoes for wedding-ready sneakers from top brands like Steve Madden, Cole Haan, and Vince Camuto. Get into the court sneaker trend by adding leather adidas court sneaker to your wedding ‘fit. For “old school meets new school” vibes give the retro-inspired New Balance 997H a try. Sport classic Converse high-tops or add a hint of streetwear to your wedding ‘fit with Vans sneakers. Never compromise comfort for style in these look good, feel good styles. Head from the ceremony to the reception without having to change your shoes. Plus, you can wear them again during your honeymoon and any other event after your big day.

What Not to Wear to a Semi-Formal Wedding

Avoid being “that person” by keeping these “do nots” in mind. While the semi-formal dress code is more casual than formalwear, you’ll still want to dress nice. Rule of thumb, you’d rather be over dressed than underdressed when attending a wedding. Jeans and t-shirts are off limits and you should stay away from denim in general. You also don’t want to be too dressed up and run the risk of overshadowing the bride and groom. Tuxedos and ballgowns look nice for black tie, but they are too dressy for a semi-formal occasion. DO NOT show up in flip flops, worn-out tennis shoes, or casual clogs. If you’d wear it to the store or work, you shouldn’t wear it here. Finally, DO NOT, and we can’t stress this enough, DO NOT show up in white, ivory, cream, or champagne. The only person who should be “all dressed in white” is the bride.